A king delights in a wise servantIn ancient Israel, the role of a servant was crucial in the royal court. A wise servant was one who demonstrated discernment, loyalty, and the ability to manage affairs prudently. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but also moral and spiritual, aligning with the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom (
Proverbs 9:10). The delight of the king in such a servant reflects the biblical principle that those who serve well are honored (
1 Samuel 2:30). This can be seen in the story of Joseph, who, through his wisdom and integrity, gained favor with Pharaoh (
Genesis 41:39-41). The king's delight also prefigures the pleasure of God in His faithful servants, as seen in the parable of the talents (
Matthew 25:21).
but his anger falls on the shameful
The shameful servant is one who acts foolishly, bringing disgrace upon himself and potentially causing harm to the king's reputation and kingdom. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, honor and shame were significant social values. A servant's shameful behavior could lead to severe consequences, including punishment or dismissal. This reflects the biblical theme of reaping what one sows (Galatians 6:7). The anger of the king is not arbitrary but a response to the servant's failure to fulfill his duties. This mirrors God's righteous anger towards sin and unfaithfulness (Romans 1:18). The contrast between the wise and shameful servant also points to the ultimate judgment where Christ, the King of Kings, will separate the faithful from the unfaithful (Matthew 25:31-46).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
KingRepresents authority and leadership. In the context of ancient Israel, a king was the highest earthly authority, responsible for justice and governance.
2.
Wise ServantSymbolizes those who act with discernment, integrity, and faithfulness. Wisdom in this context is not just intellectual but moral and spiritual, aligning with God's principles.
3.
Shameful ServantRepresents those who act foolishly or immorally, bringing disgrace upon themselves and their master. This behavior contrasts with the wisdom and integrity expected by the king.
Teaching Points
The Value of Wisdom in ServiceWisdom is not just knowledge but the application of God's truth in our daily lives. A wise servant is one who aligns their actions with God's will, bringing delight to those in authority.
Consequences of FoolishnessFoolish actions lead to shame and negative consequences. Just as a king's anger falls on a shameful servant, our actions have repercussions that can affect our relationships and standing.
The Role of AuthorityAuthority figures, like the king, are placed by God to maintain order and justice. Our response to authority should be one of respect and wisdom, reflecting our commitment to God's order.
Integrity in All CircumstancesWhether in favorable or challenging situations, maintaining integrity and wisdom is crucial. This pleases God and those in authority over us.
Reflecting Christ in ServiceAs Christians, we are called to serve as Christ did, with humility and wisdom. Our service should reflect Christ's love and truth, bringing glory to God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:35?
2.How does Proverbs 14:35 define the qualities of a "wise servant"?
3.What actions might lead a servant to bring "shame" according to Proverbs 14:35?
4.How can we apply the wisdom of Proverbs 14:35 in our workplaces?
5.How does Proverbs 14:35 connect with Jesus' teachings on servanthood?
6.In what ways can we cultivate wisdom to gain favor as in Proverbs 14:35?
7.How does Proverbs 14:35 reflect the relationship between wisdom and leadership?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 14:35?
9.How does Proverbs 14:35 apply to modern governance and authority?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14?
11.Is killing in war considered murder?
12.How do scriptures guide us through our emotions?
13.Is withholding forgiveness supported by the Bible?
14.Can angels commit sin?What Does Proverbs 14:35 Mean
A kingThe verse begins by pointing to the highest human authority in the land. Throughout Scripture, earthly rulers are portrayed as God’s delegated ministers of order (Romans 13:1-4;1 Peter 2:13-14). When we read “king,” we can apply the principle to any leader—parents, employers, pastors, government officials—because authority structures all flow from God’s design (Colossians 1:16-17). Taking the statement at face value, we are reminded that rulers do not govern in a moral vacuum; their reactions—whether delight or anger—are bound to the character of those under them.
Delights in a wise servantGod describes wisdom as the skill of living in healthy respect of Him (Proverbs 1:7;James 3:13). A servant who consistently acts with discernment, integrity, and diligence becomes a joy to his leader. Consider:
• Joseph’s rise under Pharaoh (Genesis 41:38-41)
• Daniel’s favor with multiple kings (Daniel 6:3)
• The faithful steward Jesus commends: “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge…? Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” (Matthew 24:45-46)
Such examples show why Proverbs elsewhere says, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings” (Proverbs 22:29). Wisdom and competence invite promotion, trust, and genuine delight from those in command.
But his anger falls on the shamefulThe flip side is sobering. “Shameful” points to behavior that disgraces both the servant and the master—laziness, deceit, rebellion (Proverbs 10:5;Proverbs 13:18). Scripture repeatedly warns that rulers wield real, God-sanctioned power to punish wrongdoing (Proverbs 19:12;Proverbs 20:2). Notice how:
• Saul’s disobedience cost him his throne (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
• The unfaithful steward in Jesus’ parable was “cut in pieces and assigned a place with the hypocrites” (Matthew 24:51)
• Haman’s treachery provoked King Xerxes’ wrath and led to his own execution (Esther 7:7-10)
A leader’s anger is not arbitrary—it “falls” in direct response to conduct that brings reproach. The verse underscores an unchanging moral order: wisdom brings favor; shame invites judgment.
summaryProverbs 14:35 teaches a clear cause-and-effect reality. Those under authority who walk in godly wisdom become a pleasure to their leaders and enjoy blessing. Those who act disgracefully provoke rightful anger and experience painful consequences. Whether in the throne room, the office, or the home, the principle holds: seek wisdom, serve well, and you will bring joy both to earthly leaders and to the ultimate King who ordained them.
Verse 35. -
The king's favour is toward a wise servant;servant that dealeth wisely (Revised Version). Thus Joseph was advanced to the highest post in Egypt, owing to the wisdom which he displayed; so, too, in the case of Daniel (comp.
Matthew 24:45, 47).
But his wrath is against him that causeth shame; literally,
he that doeth shamefully shall be (the object of)
his wrath. The Vulgate translates,
Iracundiam ejus inutilis sustinebit; the Septuagint makes the second clause parallel to the first, "An intelligent servant is acceptable to the king, and by his expertness (
εὐτοροφίᾳ) he removeth disgrace." Then is added, before the first verse of the next chapter, a paragraph which looks like an explanation of the present clause, or an introduction to ver. 1 of ch. 15.: "Anger destroyeth even the prudent."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
A kingמֶ֭לֶךְ(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingdelights inרְֽצוֹן־(rə·ṣō·wn-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7522:Goodwill, favor, acceptance, willa wiseמַשְׂכִּ֑יל(maś·kîl)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7919:To be, circumspect, intelligentservant,לְעֶ֣בֶד(lə·‘e·ḇeḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantbut his angerוְ֝עֶבְרָת֗וֹ(wə·‘eḇ·rā·ṯōw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5678:Overflow, arrogance, furyfallsתִּהְיֶ֥ה(tih·yeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beon the shameful.מֵבִֽישׁ׃(mê·ḇîš)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 954:To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:35 The king's favor is toward a servant (Prov. Pro Pr) 
